Cable management system

ABSTRACT

A cable management system for use with a rack having at least a first and a second side configured to be coupled to at least one piece of electronic equipment comprises a first and a second support configured to be disposed along at least a portion of a first and a second side of the rack. The first and second supports each include a strut configured to be secured to a respective side of the rack and an arm support including at least one mounting area. The cable management system also comprises a plurality of arms configured to be removably coupled to the mounting areas of the first and second arm supports. At least one of arms comprises a first and a second row of notches arranged in a first and a second direction, respectively. The first and second rows of notches are configured to engage with at least one cable associated with said at least one piece of electronic equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/099,126 filed Apr. 7, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/910,360, entitled “CableManagement System” filed on Apr. 5, 2007, both of which are fully herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to managers and organizers, and moreparticularly pertains to cable organizers and managers for use withnetwork switches.

BACKGROUND

Many electrical components are grouped together and stored in racks orthe like. These electrical components, such as network switches and thelike, may include a plurality of cables and wires. For example, anetwork rack of Cisco 6509® switches may include 288 cables just for thenetworking features alone.

From time to time, it may be necessary to remove and/or replace one ofthe electrical components in the rack. To remove a component from therack, it may be necessary to disconnect one or more (often all) of thecables and wires associated with the component. As may be appreciated,this may be a time consuming and labor intensive process. The processmay be further complicated if the plurality of wires and cablesassociated with the rack are not organized in a logical manner. Atechnician may spend a considerable amount of time tracking down,labeling, and/or organizing the multitude of cables and wires associatedwith a single component. In some situations, it may even be necessary todisconnect (either partially disconnect or totally disconnect) and/orremove other additional components in the rack to simply remove a firstcomponent in question. Not only may this directly increase the costassociated with the removal of the component, but it may alsosignificantly increase the down time and loss of productivity,particularly if one or more of the components need to be replaced due todamage, inoperability, or the like.

Moreover, in the process of reinstalling all of the cables and wiresassociated one or more components may also be a time consuming and laborintensive process. Again, as may be appreciated, it may be necessary toconnect the cables and wires to the various components in a predefinedmanner. If one or more of the cables or wires is improperly connected(for example, a cable or wire is connected to the wrong port), theoverall performance of the component may be negatively affected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparentfrom the following description of embodiments consistent therewith,which description should be considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cable managementsystem consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of a cable management system consistent withthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustablesupport strut consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of cable management system shown inFIG. 1 consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the supportconsistent with the cable management system according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 a is a top plane view of one embodiment of the top horizontalplate consistent with the cable management system according to thepresent disclosure having a generally solid configuration;

FIG. 6 b is a top plane view of one embodiment of the top horizontalplate consistent with the cable management system according to thepresent disclosure having a generally open configuration;

FIG. 6 c is a top plane view of one embodiment of the top horizontalplate consistent with the cable management system according to thepresent disclosure having a plurality of cooling slots;

FIG. 7 a is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a support armconsistent with the cable management system according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 b is a front plan view of another embodiment of a support armconsistent with the cable management system according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 c is a top plan view of the support arm shown in FIG. 7 aconsistent with the cable management system according to the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 7 d is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a support armconsistent with the cable management system according to the presentdisclosure including notch/port indicia.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of one embodiment of a cablemanagement system 10 is depicted. As shown, cable management system 10may be configured to be disposed proximate to a rack 11 configured tocontain one or more switches 12, such as, but not limited to, Cisco®6509 switches or the like. While the present disclosure will bedescribed with respect to a Cisco® 6509 switch, it is to be understoodthat this is for illustrative purposes only. The cable management systemmay be used with other switches as well as other components mounted orotherwise secured to a rack 11 such as, but not limited to, audio and/orvisual components, telephony equipment, as well as other computerrelated devices. Any modifications necessary to adapt the cablemanagement system 10 for use with different racks and differentequipment are within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

The cable management system 10 may comprise a frame 14 configured to becoupled, mounted, or otherwise secured to at least a portion of the rack11 and a plurality of arms 26 configured to be removably coupled to theframe 14. As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the cablemanagements system 10 according to one embodiment may be configured toorganize and/or manage a plurality of cables or wires 30 (hereinaftercollectively referred to as cables 30) associated with at least oneswitch 12.

Consistent with one aspect of the present disclosure, the frame 14 mayinclude a first and a second support 20, 22 configured to be disposedabout a first and a second side 13, 15, respectively of the rack 11 (forexample, a first and a second vertical side of the rack 11). Forexample, the first and second supports 20, 22 may each include at leastone mounting device 16 for removably coupling, mounting, or otherwisesecuring the frame 14 to at least a portion of the rack 11. The mountingdevice 16 may be provided in a manner that facilitates removal and/orinstallation of the switches 12 and/or other components in the rack 12.In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 16 may include one ormore apertures, holes or openings 18 in the first and second supports20, 22 configured to receive a fastener (such as, but not limited to, abolt, screw, nut, or the like) for coupling the frame 14 to the rack 11.The mounting device 16 may be configured to be coupled to a front outerface of the rack 11 and/or a side portion of the rack 11. According toanother aspect, at least a portion of the frame 14 may be provided as anintegral feature of the rack 12 or may be permanently secured to therack 11 using an adhesive, welding, or the like.

The first and/or and second supports 20, 22 may be configured to extendgenerally outwardly from the rack 11 a predefined distance therefrom.The distance in which the first and second supports 20, 22 extendoutwardly may be based on, at least in part, the number of cables 30,the size or gauge of the cables 30, the bend radius of the cables 30,the amount of space necessary for maintenance and/orinstallation/removal of the switches 12, as well as other space and/orequipment considerations such as, but not limited to, doors or the like(not shown) which may be disposed about the front of the rack 11. Thefirst and second supports 20, 22 may also have various lengths dependingon the intended application. The cable management system 10 may beconfigured to manage cables 30 associated with one or more switches 12.For example, the first and second supports 20, 22 may have a length ofapproximately 17.3 inches. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the first and/or second supports 20, 22 may include otherlengths.

According to one aspect, the first support 20, FIGS. 1 and 2, mayinclude a strut 32 which may be configured to be disposed along at leasta portion of the first side 13 of the rack 11. The strut 32 may includea first and a second base 34, 36 which may each be provided with atleast one mounting device 16 (for example, the apertures or slots 18configured to receive one or more fasteners) to couple the first support20 to the first side 13 of the rack 11. The first and second bases 34,36 may be provided having a generally “L” shape. The strut 32 may alsoinclude one or more support braces 38 coupled to the first and secondbase 34, 36. The support brace 38 may be disposed a spaced distanceoutwardly from the first side 13 of the rack 11. For example, thesupport brace 38 may be coupled to an outer portion of the first andsecond mounting areas 34, 36. Providing the support brace 38 a spaceddistance away from the rack 11 provides increased access to the rackmounting features used to secure switches 12 to the rack, therebyfacilitating the removal and/or installation of a switch 12 from therack 11.

According to another aspect, the strut 32, FIG. 3, may be configured tohave an adjustable length L1. As discussed above, the cable managementsystem 10 according to the present disclosure may be used with a widevariety of racks 11. As may be appreciated, the racks 11 may beconfigured to hold different types of equipment and may have variousmounting features and lengths. By adjusting the length L1 of the strut32, the adjustable strut 32 may be configured to be coupled to a widerange of racks 11. For example, the strut 32 may be provided having afixed mount portion 71 and an adjustable strut 73. The fixed strut 71may include a first and a second base 72, 74 having at least onemounting device 16 (for example, the apertures or slots 18 configured toreceive one or more fasteners) to couple the fixed strut 71 to the firstside 13 of the rack 11. The first and second bases 72, 74 may beprovided with a generally “L” or “hockey-stick” like shape. The fixedstrut 71 may also include one or more support braces 75 coupled to thefirst and second base 72, 74. The support brace 75 may be disposed aspaced distance outwardly from the first side 13 of the rack 11. Forexample, the support brace 75 may be coupled to an outer portion of thefirst and second mounting areas 72, 74. The fixed strut 71 may beprovided having a length L2 such that at least the fixed strut 71 may becoupled to the smallest intended rack 11 application.

The adjustable strut 73 may be provided with a base 76 and an elongatedportion 78. The base 76 may be substantially similar to either of thebases 72, 74 described above. The elongated portion 78 may be coupled toan outer portion of the base 76 such that the elongated portion 78 maybe provided a spaced distance outwardly from the first side 13 of therack 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed strut 71 may be provided withone or more elongated slots or apertures 80 disposed within the supportbrace 75 and the adjustable strut 73 may be provided having one or moremounting features 81 (such as, but not limited to, a bolt or screw 83configured to be disposed through an aperture or slot 85 disposed in theelongated portion 78). In practice, the bases 72, 74, 76 of the fixedstrut 71 and the adjustable strut 73 may be coupled to at least aportion of the rack 11 using the mounting devices 16 such that the strut32 is disposed about the intended portion of the rack 11. The fixedstrut 71 and the adjustable strut 73 may be coupled to each other usingthe mounting feature 81 and the slots or apertures 80. As may be now beappreciated, the adjustable strut 73 may be provided with one or moreslots or apertures 80 and the fixed strut 71 may be provided with one ormore mounting features 81. Other configurations for providingadjustability in the length of the strut 32 are also possible including,but not limited to, a telescopic strut or the like.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first support 20 may also includeone or more horizontal supports 40 extending generally outwardly fromthe rack 11. One end of the horizontal support 40 may be coupled to thefirst and/or second mounting areas 34, 36 and/or the support brace 38.Another end of the horizontal support 40 may be coupled to a first armsupport 33. While the horizontal support 40 is shown extendingsubstantially perpendicular from the first side 13 of the rack 11, otherconfigurations of the horizontal support 40 are also possible. The firstarm support 33 may be configured to be disposed substantially along aportion of the length of the first side 13 of the rack 11. For example,the first arm support 33 may be provided substantially parallel to thefirst side 13 of the rack 11.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first support 20 may be providedhaving a generally open area 42. The open area 42 may increase airflowin and out of the rack 11 behind the frame 14 while also providingincreased access to the switches 12. Those skilled in the art will nowrecognize that the first support 20 may be provided having numerousother geometries/configurations. For example, the first support 20 maybe provided having a generally solid geometry.

According to one aspect, the second support 22, FIGS. 1 and 4, may besubstantially similar to the first supports 20 described above.According to another embodiment, the second support 22 may include astrut 52 which may be configured to be disposed along at least a portionof the second side 15 of the rack 11. The strut 52 may include a firstand a second base 54, 56 which may each be provided with at least onemounting device 16 (for example, the apertures or slots 18 configured toreceive one or more fasteners) to couple the second support 22 to thesecond side 15 of the rack 11. The first and second mounting bases 54,56 may be provided having a generally “L” or “hockey-stick” like shape.The strut 52 may also include one or more support braces 58 coupled tothe first and second mounting bases 54, 56. The support brace 58 may bedisposed a spaced distance outwardly from the second side 15 of the rack11. For example, the support brace 58 may be coupled to an outer portionof the first and second mounting bases 54, 56.

The second support 22 may also include one or more angle braces 60extending generally across a portion of the face of the rack 11. One endof the angle brace 60 may be coupled to the first and/or second mountingbases 54, 56 and/or the support brace 58. Another end of the angle brace60 may be coupled to a second arm support 63.

The second arm support 63 may be configured to extend generallyoutwardly from face of the rack 11. For example, the second arm support63 may extend substantially perpendicular to the face of the rack 11 asbest seen in FIG. 1. Other configurations for the second arm support 63are also possible. The second arm support 63 may be configured to bedisposed substantially along a portion of the length of the second side15 of the rack 11. For example, the second arm support 63 may beprovided substantially parallel to the second side 15 of the rack 11. Afirst end of the second arm support 63 may be configured to be coupledto the second support 22 and/or the top horizontal plate 24 as will bediscussed further below.

The second arm support 63 may be provided having a substantially solidgeometry. The substantially solid second arm support 63 may increase theoverall strength and rigidity of the frame 14 and/or second arm support63 and may prevent cables 30 from being run from the second side 15 ofthe rack 11. According to another aspect, the second arm support 63,FIG. 5, may be provided having a generally open architecture. Thegenerally open architecture may facilitate air flow in/out of the rack11 behind the frame 14, thereby providing greater cooling for the powersupplies and switches 12 coupled to the rack 11. Optionally, the anglebrace 60 may be provided as an integral feature of the second armsupport 63. The angle brace 60 may optionally include a base 80including at least one mounting device 16 (for example, the apertures orslots 18 configured to receive one or more fasteners) to secure theangle brace 60 and the second arm support 63 to the rack 11.

The second support 22 may optionally be configured to define an area orcavity 64 sized and shaped to allow a fan card (generally indicated at66 in FIG. 1) to be removed from the rack 11 without requiring the cablemanagement system 10 to be removed from the rack 11. As shown, thesecond arm support 63 may be configured to extend outwardly from therack 11 at a spaced distance inwardly away from the second side 15 andtoward the first side 13 of the rack 11. The dimensions of the secondsupport 22 may depend upon the intended application (for example, thesize and shape of the fan card 66), and is considered within theknowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

The frame 14 may optionally include a top horizontal plate 24, FIGS. 1,4, and 6, configured to be coupled to a top portion of the frame 14. Thetop horizontal plate 24 may be removably coupled to the first and/or thesecond supports 20, 22 by way of one or more fasteners 68 (such as, butnot limited to, a screw, bolt, rivet, or the like). The top horizontalplate 24 may also formed as an integral feature or permanently securedto the first and/or the second supports 20, 22 (for example, by way ofwelding, an adhesive, or the like).

According to one embodiment, the top horizontal plate 24, FIG. 6 a, maybe provided having a substantially solid geometry. The substantiallysolid geometry may increase the overall strength and rigidity of theframe 14. Additionally, the solid geometry may prevent users fromrunning cables into the top area of the rack 11. According to anotherembodiment, the top horizontal plate 24, FIG. 6 b, may be providedhaving a generally open configuration 84. For example, the tophorizontal plate 24 may be provided having an outer frame 85 configuredto define a generally open area 84. The generally open area 84 mayoptionally be provided with a mesh or screen to prevent cables frombeing run through the top horizontal plate 24. According to yet anotherembodiment, the top horizontal plate 24, FIG. 6 c, may be providedhaving one or more slots or holes 87. The slots or holes 87 may provideincreased airflow over the generally solid geometry of FIG. 6 a, whilealso providing increased strength compared to the generally openconfiguration of FIG. 6 b.

As discussed above, a plurality of arm 26, FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, may beconfigured to span across at least a portion of the front of the rack 11and may be configured to be at least partially removably coupled to thefirst and/or second arm supports 33, 63 of the first and second supports20, 22. For example, a first end 90, FIG. 7, of one or more of the arms26 may be provided with one or more tabs or hooks 92 configured to be atleast partially received in one or more slots or openings 94 in thesecond arm support 63 as generally shown in FIG. 1. A second end 96 ofthe arm 26 may include an aperture 98 configured to receive a fastener99 (such as a screw, bolt, or the like) which may engage with the firstarm support 33 to removeably couple the arm 26 thereto. Otherconfigurations are also possible. For example, the first end 90 may beprovided having an aperture configured to receive a fastener (such as ascrew, bolt, or the like) which may engage with the second arm support63 to removeably couple the arm 26 thereto. The second end 96 may alsobe provided having one or more tabs configured to be received in one ormore slots in the first arm support 33. The second end 96 may also beprovided with a hinge for hingedly coupling the second end 96 of the arm26 to the first arm support 33.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of arms 26 may be configuredto be coupled to the first and second arm mounting areas 33, 63 suchthat at least one arm 26 is disposed proximate a switch 12, for example,an outer, front face of the switch 12. The distance in which a least aportion of the arm 26 is spaced outwardly from the rack 11 (andspecifically the switch 12) may be based on, at least in part, thenumber of cables 30, the size or gauge of the cables 30, the bend radiusof the cables 30, the amount of space necessary to for maintenanceand/or installation/removal of the switches 12, as well as other spaceconsiderations such as, but not limited to, doors or the like (notshown) which may be disposed about the front of the rack 11.

As can be best seen in FIG. 1, the plurality of cables 30 associatedwith a specific switch 12 may be run along at least a portion of one ormore arms 26 associated with the switch 12 such that a terminal end ofthe cables 30 may be provide proximate a port (not shown) associatedwith the switch 12. According to one embodiment, only cables 30associated with a specific switch 12 may be coupled to an arm 26.Consequently, a particular switch 12 may be more easily and quicklyremoved and/or installed from the rack 11 since only cables 30associated with a specific switch 12 may be coupled to an arm 26. Thismay eliminate and/or reduce the need to sort-through and track down andcables 30 associated with other switches 12. To replace a particularswitch 12, a user may disconnect the plurality of cables 30 associatedwith the particular switch 12 that are coupled to one or more arms 26.The plurality of cables 30 may remain substantially coupled to one ormore of the arms 26, which may also be disconnected from the frame 14(and specifically the first and second mounting areas 33, 63). The arms26 and associated cables 30 may thus be moved out of the way to allowthe switch 12 to be removed and/or installed into the rack 11.

The plurality of cables 30 may be coupled to the plurality of arms 26 inany manner known to those skilled in the art. For example, the pluralityof cables 30 may be coupled to the plurality of arms 26 using one ormore fasteners 61 including, but not limited to, hook and loop typefasteners, zip ties, clips, wire ties or the like. According to anotheraspect, one or more of the arms 26, FIG. 7, may be provided having aplurality of notches 100 configured to at least partially receive one ormore cables 30. For example, the notches 100 may be configured toreceive only a single cable 30. The arms 26 may be provided having anumber of notches 100 corresponding to the number of ports (not shown)on the switch 12. As a result, the arm 26 may be provided having aone-to-one ratio of notches 100 to switch ports. The one-to-onenotch/port ratio facilitates the installation/removal of a switch 12 mayproviding a more easily recognizable correlation between the variouscables 30 and the ports on the switch 12.

According to another aspect, one or more of the arms 26 may be providedhaving notches 100 configured to at least partially receive two or morecables 30. For example, the notches 100 may be configured to receive twoor more cables 30 in a top/bottom configuration and/or a side-by-sideconfiguration.

One or more of the arms 26 may further be provided having two or morerows of notches 100. For example, an arm 26 may be provided having afirst row 101 disposed along a top portion of the arm 26 and a secondrow 102 disposed along a bottom portion of the arm 26. The first row 101of notches may be configured such that the openings of the notches 100are facing generally upwards while the second row 102 of notches 100 maybe configured such that the openings of the notches are facing generallydownwards when installed on a typical rack installation. Otherconfiguration for the rows 101, 102 of notches 100 are also possible.For example, two or more rows 101, 102 of notches 100 may be provided onthe top and/or bottom surface of the arm 26.

According to one embodiment, the rows 101, 102 of notches 100 may beprovided in substantially the same plane of the arm 26. For example, therows 101, 102 of notches 100 may be provided in the substantially thesame vertical plane of the arm 26 as shown in FIG. 7 b. In anotherembodiment, the rows 101, 102 of notches 100 may be provided offset fromeach other as shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 c. The offset arrangement of therows 101, 102 of notches 100 may increase visualization of the portactivation lights on the switches 12 and may provide an increased bendradius for the cables 30. Additionally, the offset arrangement may alsoincrease the overall rigidity and/or strength of the arm 26. Forexample, the first and second rows 101, 102 of notches 100 may for afirst and second support buttress which may increase the overallrigidity and/or strength of the arm 26. Moreover, the offset arrangementmay allow the overall depth of the cable management system 10 to bedecreased. The length of the bracket 105, having the strength of thedual angled offsets allows for the notched face to be extended furtherinward toward the switch 12. The arm with notches 100 in thisconfiguration, having support closer toward the switch 12 and ports (notshown) would provide for an over all decrease in the cable managementsystem depth.

According to another aspect, one or more of the arms 26 may be providedhaving a plurality of notches 100 that are recessed towards the rack 11relative to the frame 14. As can best be seen in FIGS. 7 a and 7 c, thearm 26 may include one or more brackets 105 disposed proximate the ends92, 96. The bracket 105 may be provided having a generally “L” shapewherein a portion of the bracket 105 is configured to be coupled to thefirst and/or second arm mounting areas 33, 63 of the first and secondsupports 20, 22. The arm 26 may further include an elongated centralportion 110 having the plurality of notches 100. Recessing the pluralityof notches 100 from the front of the frame 14 may reduce the overalldepth of the cable management system 10 and, as a result, the cablemanagement system 10 may fit in more applications. For example,recessing the plurality of notches 100 and the overall depth of thecable management system 10 may allow the cable management system 10 tofit behind doors of an existing application.

Moreover, recessing the plurality of notches 100 may provide for agreater bend radius for the cable 30. This may facilitate the couplingof the cables 30 to the plurality of arms 26 as well as facilitatecoupling the cables 30 to the ports on the switches 12. Additionally,the increased cable bend radius may allow for an increased number ofcables 30 to be coupled to an arm 26.

Recessing the plurality of notches 100 may also facilitate theorganization and identification of the plurality of cables 30 coupled tothe switch 12. Specifically, recessing the plurality of notches 100 mayallow the cables 30 to be coupled to the arm 26 closer to the ports onthe switch 12. As a result, less cable 30 may be disposed between thearm 26 and the ports on the switch 12, thereby making it easier toidentify which notch 100 and/or cable 30 corresponds to a specific porton the switch 12.

All of the aforementioned configurations of arms 26 may be provided witha label or identity marking/indicia 111, FIG. 7 d, that may be embossed,adhered, screen printed, scribed or etched onto the face of the arm 26adjacent or proximate to the individual notches 100. This labeling 111may be configured to match or correspond to the switch 12 and port (notshown) identification, thus facilitating service, assembly, disassembly,installation and maintenance of data and information systems.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“one aspect,” “an aspect” or the like in the present disclosure meansthat a particular feature, structure or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of these phrases invarious places throughout the specification may or may not refer to thesame embodiment or all embodiments.

As mentioned above, the present disclosure is not intended to be limitedto a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated orimplied object or feature of the present disclosure and should not belimited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) describedherein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodimentwas chosen and described to provide the best illustration of theprinciples of the present disclosure and its practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the presentdisclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as issuited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications andvariations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determinedby the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which theyare fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. A system comprising: a rack having at least a first and a secondgenerally parallel side, said rack configured to receive and support atleast one switch between said first and said second generally parallelsides; and a cable management system comprising: a first supportconfigured to be disposed along at least a portion of said first side ofsaid rack, said first support including a first strut configured to besecured to said first side of said rack and a first arm supportincluding at least one mounting area; a second support configured to bedisposed along at least a portion of said second side of said rack, saidsecond support including a second strut configured to be secured to saidsecond side of said rack and a second arm support including at least onemounting area; and a plurality of arms configured to be coupled to saidat least one mounting areas of said first and said second arm supports,wherein at least one of said plurality of arms comprises a first row ofnotches arranged in a first direction and a second row of notchesarranged a second direction, said notches configured to at leastpartially receive and retain cables associated with said at least oneswitch.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said cable management systemfurther comprises a top plate configured to extend between and to becoupled to said first and said second supports.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein said second strut and said second arm support are configuredto allow a fan card to be removed from said rack without removing saidcable management system from rack.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein afirst end of said second arm support is configured to be coupled to saidtop plate and a second end of said second arm support is configured tobe coupled to said second strut such that said second arm support isdisposed generally parallel to said second side of said rack a distanceaway from said second side, said distance being greater than a width ofa front face of said at least one fan card between said first and saidsecond sides of said rack.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said secondstrut comprises a first and a second base configured to be secured tosaid second side of said rack.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein saidfirst strut comprises a support brace extending generally parallel tosaid first side of said rack, said support brace comprising a first anda second end having a first and a second base, respectively, configuredto be secured to said first side of said rack.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein at least one of said plurality of arms comprises a first endregion configured to be removeably coupled to said first arm support anda second end region having at least one hook configured to engage withone of a plurality of slots disposed along a length of said second armsupport.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidplurality of arms comprises a plurality of notches equal to a number ofports on a front face of said at least one switch.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein each of said notches comprises indicia representing asingle one of said number of ports of said at least one switch.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said first and said second rows are disposedin a first and second different plane.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein said first and said second planes are offset with respect to oneanother.
 12. A cable management system for use with a rack having atleast a first and a second side configured to be coupled to at least onepiece of electronic equipment, said cable management system comprising:a first support configured to be disposed along at least a portion ofsaid first side of said rack, said first support including a first strutconfigured to be secured to said first side of said rack and a first armsupport including at least one mounting area; a second supportconfigured to be disposed along at least a portion of said second sideof said rack, said second support including a second strut configured tobe secured to said second side of said rack and a second arm supportincluding at least one mounting area; and a plurality of arms configuredto be removably coupled to said at least one mounting areas of saidfirst and said second arm supports, wherein at least one of saidplurality of arms comprises a first and a second row of notches arrangedin a first and a second direction, respectively, said first and saidsecond rows of notches configured to engage with cables associated withsaid at least one piece of electronic equipment; wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of arms comprises a plurality of notches equal to saidnumber of ports on a front face of said at least one piece of electronicequipment.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of said notchescomprises indicia representing a single one of said number of ports ofsaid at least one switch.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said firstand said second planes are offset with respect to one another.
 15. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein said first and said second rows are disposedin a first and second different plane.
 16. The system of claim 12,wherein a length of said first strut is adjustable.
 17. A cablemanagement system for use with a rack having at least a first and asecond side configured to be coupled to at least one piece of electronicequipment, said cable management system comprising: a first supportcomprising a first strut configured to be secured to said first side ofsaid rack and a first arm support including at least one mounting area;a second support comprising a second strut configured to be secured tosaid second side of said rack and a second arm support including atleast one mounting area; and a plurality of arms configured to beremovably coupled to said at least one mounting areas of said first andsaid second arm supports, wherein at least one of said plurality of armscomprises a first and a second row of notches arranged in a first and asecond generally opposite directions, respectively, said first and saidsecond rows of notches configured to engage with cables associated withsaid at least one piece of electronic equipment.
 18. The cablemanagement system of claim 17, wherein said first and said second rowsare disposed in first and second different planes.